Endene Departs Iowa Wrestling Team; Hawkeyes Ready for Penn State Showdown
Massoma Endene, a prominent member of Iowa’s wrestling team, has officially departed from the squad, as confirmed by head coach Tom Brands. The fourth-ranked 197-pound wrestler from Dallas, Texas, had a record of 6-1 during his time with the Hawkeyes.
Endene last competed on November 30 against Rocky Elam, suffering an 8-2 defeat in a dual match against Iowa State. Coach Brands addressed the situation during a media availability session, stating, “Sometimes these things work, and sometimes they don’t. This one just didn’t work out.” He expressed his well wishes for Endene’s future without providing additional details.
Wrestling Team Adjustments
In the wake of Endene’s exit, Iowa’s wrestling team must adapt their lineup for upcoming matches. Gabe Arnold and Harvey Ludington have both filled the 197-pound weight class in recent duals. Ludington, a freshman, maintained an undefeated record at the Luther Open and earned a fifth-place finish at the Soldier Salute tournament.
Coach Brands emphasized the importance of smart decision-making regarding Ludington’s participation moving forward, noting his strong performances as key to the team’s strategy. “We want to be really, really smart with Ludington,” Brands commented. “He’s our best option based on the results.” The team is preparing for an intense home competition against the top-ranked Penn State.
Key Performers
- Massoma Endene – Departed from Iowa Wrestling Team.
- Gabe Arnold – Competed at duals against Chattanooga and Utah Valley.
- Harvey Ludington – Undefeated at Luther Open, fifth at Soldier Salute.
- Brody Sampson – Redshirt freshman with a record of 6-6.
Upcoming Match Against Penn State
Iowa’s wrestling team is set to face off against Penn State, a match that promises to be a significant test of their resilience following Endene’s departure. The coaching staff is focused on strategy, especially in the 197-pound weight class, where Ludington and Sampson will likely compete.
Alongside these adjustments, redshirt freshman Angelo Ferrari, who holds a perfect 9-0 record this season, is a crucial asset for the team. Ferrari, ranked #1 at 184 pounds, will face fourth-ranked Rocco Welsh in this pivotal match. His ability to lead by example has impressed both coaches and teammates, as he continues to build upon his performance from the previous season.
As the Iowa Wrestling Team prepares for their showdown against Penn State, maintaining focus and adapting to changes will be essential for success on the mat.
